Consumerism And Climate Change

In our fast-paced, modern world, consumerism has become an integral part of our lives. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements and encouraged to purchase the latest products, often without considering the environmental consequences. However, the marriage between consumerism and climate change has brought about alarming implications that cannot be ignored.

Consumerism and climate change are two interwoven factors that demand our attention. In this blog post, we delve into the relationship between these two issues and emphasize the pressing need for transformative action.

The Carbon Footprint of Consumerism

Consumerism fuels excessive production and consumption, which directly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to UNEP, the extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food contribute half of total global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90 per cent of biodiversity loss and water stress. Resource extraction has more than tripled since 1970, including a fivefold increase in the use of non-metallic minerals and a 45 per cent increase in fossil fuel use.^[1]

The fashion industry, for instance, is notorious for its unsustainable practices. The production of textiles, especially fast fashion, demands large amounts of energy and water while releasing massive quantities of greenhouse gases. Moreover, discarded clothing items end up in landfills, where they decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

According to McKinsey research, in 2018, the sector contributed approximately 2.1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for roughly 4 percent of the total global emissions. To provide a meaningful comparison, the fashion industry emits a comparable amount of GHGs annually as the collective economies of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined.^[2] Additionally, the industry is responsible for 20% of global water pollution, mainly due to dyeing and finishing processes.

The global food system is another sector deeply influenced by consumerism. The production, processing, transportation, and disposal of food contribute to a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. Food production alone is responsible for approximately 26% of global GHG emissions.^[3] Moreover, consumer food waste exacerbates the problem. In the United States, for example, it is estimated that approximately 30-40% of the food supply goes to waste, generating substantial methane emissions when it decomposes in landfills.

The consumer-driven desire for convenience and mobility has fueled an increase in transportation-related emissions. Private vehicles, particularly those powered by fossil fuels, contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Among all sectors, transportation exhibits the most significant dependence on fossil fuels, surpassing any other industry. In 2021, it was responsible for 37% of the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated by end-use sectors.^[4] Additionally, the booming e-commerce industry, driven by consumer demand for online shopping, has resulted in increased delivery services and associated emissions from delivery vehicles.

An aerial shot of an overflowing landfill

Planned Obsolescence And Waste

Consumerism is closely linked to planned obsolescence, a strategy employed by manufacturers to intentionally shorten the lifespan of products, compelling consumers to replace them more frequently. This leads to a significant increase in waste generation and the extraction of finite resources.

Take the smartphone industry as an example. Every year, new models are released, enticing consumers to upgrade their devices. The discarded smartphones, along with their hazardous components, contribute to e-waste. According to one report, the global e-waste is valued at a staggering amount of over $62.5 billion annually, surpassing the gross domestic product (GDP) of numerous countries. In 2017, the world generated an astounding 44 million tons of electronic and electrical waste, which translates to an average of over six kilograms per person. To put this into perspective, the cumulative weight of this e-waste is equivalent to that of all the commercial aircraft ever manufactured.^[5]

Printer manufacturers often sell printers at low prices but make substantial profits from the sale of ink cartridges. Many printer models are designed to display low ink warnings prematurely or even disable the printer when only a small amount of ink remains. This compels consumers to purchase new cartridges, resulting in excessive waste and unnecessary consumption.

Many household appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers, are designed with planned obsolescence in mind. Manufacturers utilize tactics like using cheaper components and limiting repair options, making it more cost-effective for consumers to replace the entire appliance rather than repair it. This leads to a surge in electronic waste and unnecessary consumption.

Plastic pollution of the oceans

Shift Toward Sustainable Alternatives

While the impact of consumerism on climate change may seem overwhelming, there is a growing awareness and demand for sustainable alternatives. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing environmentally friendly products and companies that demonstrate responsible practices.

Companies like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher have adopted innovative strategies to promote sustainable fashion. Patagonia launched its “Worn Wear” initiative, encouraging customers to repair and reuse their clothing items. Eileen Fisher introduced the “Renew” program, which allows customers to return their used garments for store credit. Such initiatives reduce waste and promote circularity within the fashion industry.

The rise of the sharing economy has introduced innovative ways to maximize the use of existing resources and reduce unnecessary consumption. Platforms like Airbnb, where people can rent out their homes or spare rooms to travelers, promote the efficient use of space and have the potential to reduce the demand for new construction. Similarly, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft encourage carpooling, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and associated emissions.

The excessive use of single-use plastic packaging has been a significant contributor to environmental pollution. In response, many companies are adopting sustainable packaging alternatives. For example, Loop, a global reuse platform, partners with various brands to deliver products in durable, refillable containers that are collected, cleaned, and reused. Additionally, some companies are exploring innovative packaging materials like compostable bioplastics derived from renewable resources or recycled materials. These sustainable packaging practices minimize waste and help reduce the carbon footprint associated with product packaging.

As the world seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, there has been a significant shift towards renewable energy sources. Solar and wind power are becoming increasingly prevalent, providing clean and sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources. Consumers can actively support this transition by investing in renewable energy solutions, such as installing solar panels on rooftops or opting for green energy plans from utility providers. These choices contribute to the growth of renewable energy infrastructure and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector.

Daily food waste

Conclusion

The union of consumerism and climate change presents a grave challenge, as our current patterns of production and consumption are putting a tremendous strain on the environment. However, with increasing awareness and conscious choices, we can mitigate the adverse effects of consumerism on climate change.

By supporting sustainable practices and demanding transparency from companies, we can encourage the development of greener alternatives. It is essential for individuals to embrace minimalism, prioritize quality over quantity, and extend the lifespan of products. Moreover, policymakers must introduce regulations that promote sustainable production and discourage planned obsolescence.

Together, we can redefine our relationship with consumerism and pave the way for a more sustainable future, where our actions align with the well-being of the planet we call home.

Sources: 

[1]“We’re gobbling up the Earth’s resources at an unsustainable rate” (UNEP, 03 April, 2019).[⇑]
[2]Achim Berg, Anna Granskog, Libbi Lee, and Karl-Hendrik Magnus, Fashion on Climate (McKinsey 26 August, 2020).[⇑]
[3]Hannah Ritchie, “Food production is responsible for one-quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions” (Our World in Data, 06 November, 2019).[⇑]
[4]Transport: Improving the sustainability of passenger and freight transport (IEA).[⇑]
[5]“Time to seize opportunity, tackle challenge of e-waste” (UNEP, 24 January, 2019). [⇑]